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When you’ve decided to give small-town living a try, the next big decision is finding the best places to live in Wyoming. Fortunately, the research has already been done for you. When WalletHub looked at small towns across the country, Casper ranked as number one in the state time and time again. It’s bigger than most of our small towns but still little enough to provide everything you’re looking for in a “fun-size” city. With historic districts and landmarks, tons of outdoor recreation, and a vibrant downtown, here’s why Casper ranked so highly as one of the best places to live in Wyoming.
Discover the Small City With Small-Town Vibes
Sandwiched between Jackson and Cheyenne, Casper is located just a bit east of the center of Wyoming. Surrounded by the Casper Mountains and situated along the banks of the North Platte River, the town is beautiful, and everyone here seems to know each other. With a population hovering around 58,000, technically, it’s a small city (one of the largest in the state), but small-town vibes are alive and well here, with the perk of big-city amenities.
Approximately 10 percent of Wyoming residents live in Casper, so you’ll understand if we refer to it as a big city. The comparatively small-town feel and the wide open space on the high plains play a huge part in what makes Casper one of the best places to live. Because Casper is a bit bigger than most small towns in Wyoming, it offers more to do.
Why Casper Is One of Wyoming's Most Livable Cities
Of course, affordability makes any town or city attractive to its residents. Luckily, when it comes to the cost of living, Casper gets high marks and comes in between 5 and 10 percent lower than the nation's average. In fact, Finance Buzz chose it as one of the top budget-friendly cities with the bonus of comfortable weather. And speaking of the weather, Casper sees over 200 days of sunshine, making it a great destination for outdoor fun, and there is no shortage of fun to have here.
Casper is surrounded by wide-open space, rivers, and mountains, so you'll find yourself spending a lot of time outdoors, hiking, biking, fishing, paddling, and, of course, if you enjoy winter activities, you’ll have that as well. Plus, with its vibrant downtown, there will be plenty of dining and shopping options. Not to mention that the city is accessible from Cheyenne by car, and it is home to Casper/Natrona County International Airport (CPR), the only international airport in the state.
Outdoor Living Along the North Platte River
Casper has great Wyoming outdoors all around. Residents love being close to hiking, climbing, and camping areas, and fishing on the nearby North Platte River can’t be beat. In the warmer months, the river is buzzing with paddlers taking advantage of the sunny days. You can also take scenic walks around the riverfront. If you want water activities on foot, head to Rotary Park and hike the Garden Creek Waterfall Loop through Casper Mountain.
When locals and visitors aren’t spending time outdoors, there are several museums and historical sites to learn about the area and its early inhabitants. They include Fort Casper (from which the town was named), the Tate Geological Museum, and the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center. Additionally, locals enjoy the vibrant downtown scene, featuring live music, local events, movies, and plenty of dining and shopping options. You can find all that and more at David Street Station. Don’t leave without stopping to check it out.
While we may see it as a big city, we can’t argue that Casper is an awesome small town to live in. If you’re considering Wyoming as a place to live or retire, this charming city delivers big on so many things. Between its affordability, its small-town vibes, and its access to outdoor recreation, there is so much to enjoy here. It’s no wonder it ranks high as one of the best places to live in Wyoming.
What other cities or towns would you put on the list of best places to live? What are some of your favorite small towns in Wyoming to visit? If you are looking for a fabulous place to get away, check out the Travel Wyoming website. Who knows, you may just find a new favorite place to reside.
